Where do I go?

[steaver]

Consider this - you are one of Ten Christians in a room - each from a different Christian denomination. They will have variations on some doctrines - and at BEST there is only ONE of them that is in fact right and has not let man-made-tradition blind them to the truths of at least ONE point of difference in the Bible. At WORST - they are ALL wrong to some degree on what they think the Bible is teaching.

in Christ,

Bob

SDA do not qualify as a Christian "denomination" doing the best that they can to be right on doctrinal truths. By the very fact that you are a SDA you cannot entertain any thought that you may not be correct on all points argued by any Christian denomination.

Why is this so?

Because the SDA has something no Christian denomination has. You have an extra authoritive prophet which no Christian denomination has. In fact, all Christian denominations only accept the 66 books of the bible as authoritively from God. Any other writings used by Christian denominations are nothing more than commentary helps to be considered and ALL are permitted to be wrong by ANY Christian denomination. The SDA does not permit EGW to be wrong on any point. She is deemed PERFECT in doctrine.

Now since the SDA declares there is at least one other authoritive writer sent by God other than the bible writers, sent some 1800 years AFTER the 66 books of the Christian bible, an SDA has no choice but to believe what this person has said when she gave her INTERPRETIONS of the writings of the bible.

Thus, SDA doctrine according to any SDA can in no way ever be wrong. So unless the ONE in the room you speak of is an SDA or is teaching exactly what the SDA teach there is not one in this room who could be right.

An SDA has no need to study and determine correct doctrine for themselves apart from knowing anything EGW ever said. For if one studies and does not agree with Ellen G White then that person according to the SDA simply "cannot yet bear the truth". There is no possibility the the SDA is wrong or that EGW is wrong.

So know this Bunny. SDA is not considered a Christian "denomination" in my book for they alone follow extra biblical writings as infallible. I'm sure there are true Christians caught up within their congregations, but as a "Christian denomination" they really are disqualified because of their false prophet.

One would have to wonder if they could be so deceived about EGW then how could they teach others anything about sound biblical Christian doctrines.

This may hurt Bob's feelings for I am sure he loves the fellowship he has come to know, but the truth is the truth and false beliefs must be reproved. We cannot just let such grevious beliefs infiltrate our Christian denominations unchallenged.

Now Bob's answer will be that they do not say Ellen White's writings are infallible. No, just that her writings are in perfect harmony with the 66 books of the bible. Just a matter of semantics.

 

[Zenas]

1. Always go with whatever church you believe to be following "Most closely" what you find the bible to teach. That might mean you have to look around a bit. There are saved saints in each of the churches so when you find the one that comes the closest to what you find in scripture - you are in a good place - until one comes along that is even closer.

2. Always be willing to review the Bible based positions that you hold - in case you also may be in some doctrinal error.


Consider this - you are one of Ten Christians in a room - each from a different Christian denomination. They will have variations on some doctrines - and at BEST there is only ONE of them that is in fact right and has not let man-made-tradition blind them to the truths of at least ONE point of difference in the Bible. At WORST - they area ALL wrong to some degree on what they think the Bible is teaching.

in Christ,

Bob

This is good advice. Steaver, I dare say you would admit the same if it came from someone else. Nowhere did Bob suggest that Bunny embrace SDA teachings or any other teachings than the Bible.

 

[lori4dogs]

"I love and serve wherever I am. It is the Lord who has been leading me and I fully trust that He will continue to do so."

I love the old hymn 'Trust and Obey". With a heart for Jesus, and a desire to follow His leading, you will be a blessing to whatever church you finally choose.

 

[steaver]

This is good advice. Steaver, I dare say you would admit the same if it came from someone else. Nowhere did Bob suggest that Bunny embrace SDA teachings or any other teachings than the Bible.

1. Always go with whatever church you believe to be following "Most closely" what you find the bible to teach. That might mean you have to look around a bit. There are saved saints in each of the churches so when you find the one that comes the closest to what you find in scripture - you are in a good place - until one comes along that is even closer.

I disagree. One could erroniously believe the bible teaches faith plus works equals salvation. By seeking out a denomination that also supports such error would not be good for either one.

2. Always be willing to review the Bible based positions that you hold - in case you also may be in some doctrinal error.

Very vague. She already reviewed some of these points and has settled on sound biblical truth.

Consider this - you are one of Ten Christians in a room - each from a different Christian denomination. They will have variations on some doctrines - and at BEST there is only ONE of them that is in fact right and has not let man-made-tradition blind them to the truths of at least ONE point of difference in the Bible. At WORST - they area ALL wrong to some degree on what they think the Bible is teaching.

If this is the case then God help us all. But of course the SDA cannot be wrong because God gave them a first hand prophet who cleared everything up for them.

 

[steaver]

"I love and serve wherever I am. It is the Lord who has been leading me and I fully trust that He will continue to do so."

I love the old hymn 'Trust and Obey". With a heart for Jesus, and a desire to follow His leading, you will be a blessing to whatever church you finally choose.

Now this is good advice :thumbs:

And I know she is a Catholic.

 

[steaver]

Check out the C&MA churches Bunny...

http://www.cmalliance.org/about/beliefs/doctrine

 

[Bunny]

Please pardon me, I don't know how to quote people yet so I'm copy and pasting...

HP: First, I personally belong to no specific organization, neither do I feel led to join any.

HP, What do you mean by this? Do you mean no denomination, no church or no fellowship entirely?


Bunny

:wavey:

 

[Bunny]

Trotter: I live in the Northeastern corner of West Virginia and would love to meet some fellow West Virginians! I plan on checking out a local Southern Baptist church. Thanks for your input!

 

[Zenas]

I disagree. One could erroniously believe the bible teaches faith plus works equals salvation. By seeking out a denomination that also supports such error would not be good for either one.

One could rightly believe the Bible teaches faith + works = salvation, but that is not a debate for this thread. Bunny asked for advice based on what her beliefs are. Now you and others don't want to answer her question but rather interject what you perceive as truth into the discussion. She asked a simple question, so why can't you take the facts she (or he) gave and work with them rather than introduce things not asked about?

Very vague. She already reviewed some of these points and has settled on sound biblical truth.

Yes, but haven't you ever been reading the Bible and got hit right between the eyes by a truth you had not previously realized?

If this is the case then God help us all. But of course the SDA cannot be wrong because God gave them a first hand prophet who cleared everything up for them.

This is the case, Steaver. Use your considerable power of reasoning, and get over the fact that even someone with whom you disagree can sometimes be right. Even a stopped clock will give you the correct time twice a day.

 

[Bunny]

HP:I agree with most of what you say with one exception. Why even visit elsewhere until the Lord grants one clear direction? God can lead one in and God can lead one out in His timing. Just as you said, He WILL direct our paths.

By the way, keep this just between us. If Bunny reads this she might not listen to your advice if she knows it very closely parallels the advice I gave her. She must not have liked my advice. Shhhh. :smilewinkgrin:

HP: I undertand your point about making certain that I am getting clear direction and that I should also be certain it is from the Lord. Rest assured, HP, this is the case...believe it or not.

Bunny

:wavey:

 

[DHK]

This is the case, Steaver. Use your considerable power of reasoning, and get over the fact that even someone with whom you disagree can sometimes be right. Even a stopped clock will give you the correct time twice a day.

Did you bother to read the OP

I believe I may be a good fit as a Baptist but then there's Reformed, Independent, Fundamentalist, Southern, American, and on and on...see my confusion? I would greatly appreciate any info, godly wise council, or perspectives you wish to share. I must also request one other thing. Please do not debate with me my beliefs, they are already settled.

Her beliefs were not up for debate. She is looking for a Baptist Church not SDA or any other cult. The beliefs she stated do not agree with the SDA's beliefs. I think Zenas, you ought to use "your considerable power of reasoning, and get over the fact that someone with whom you disagree with" is actually wrong.
Next time read the OP.

 

[Bunny]

The answer to your question HP is found in Amos 3:3

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

It is a rhetorical question that Amos asks; the obvious answer is "NO."

Bunny has stated her beliefs by conviction. They don't agree with the church that she attends. It is evident therefore that the Lord is leading her elsewhere.

The Lord leads through his Word, not through some mystical mysterious feely emotional experience.

Thank you DHK!! This is precisely the dilemma I find myself in. In making this decision I am tyring not to be led by my emotions so how I feel is not my primary concern. Thanks for all you are doing DHK.
In response to HP's question, the answer is no.

Bunny

:wavey:

 

[Bunny]

"I love and serve wherever I am. It is the Lord who has been leading me and I fully trust that He will continue to do so."

I love the old hymn 'Trust and Obey". With a heart for Jesus, and a desire to follow His leading, you will be a blessing to whatever church you finally choose.

Thank you lori4dogs! I do like that hymn! Thanks for your sweet, encouraging spirit!

Bunny

:wavey:

 

[Bunny]

Bunny,

Check this link for Baptist churches near your area.

Thanks for this link Salty, much appreciated!!


Bunny

:wavey:

 

[Bunny]

Check out the C&MA churches Bunny...

http://www.cmalliance.org/about/beliefs/doctrine

I will take a look at it. I thought Christian and Missionary Alliance was only a missions organization, so this is interestin info. Thanks for sharing, Steaver!

Bunny

:wavey:

 

[Zenas]

Did you bother to read the OP

Her beliefs were not up for debate. She is looking for a Baptist Church not SDA or any other cult. The beliefs she stated do not agree with the SDA's beliefs. I think Zenas, you ought to use "your considerable power of reasoning, and get over the fact that someone with whom you disagree with" is actually wrong.
Next time read the OP.

Did you bother to read the thread beyond the OP? I was the second person to respond and told her to look for a Reformed Baptist church and, if none are around where she is, to try a SBC church. She thanked me kindly for the advice. It is Steaver, not me, who has interjected extraneous issues into this discussion. What Bob Ryan said does not deviate from the advice I originally gave and I believe it to be sound. As they say, "Even a blind hog will find an acorn occasionally."

 

[DHK]

`As they say, "Even a blind hog will find an acorn occasionally."

Zenas, I don't think Bunny appreciates being referred to as a "bind hog." :BangHead:

 

[BobRyan]

Did you bother to read the OP

Her beliefs were not up for debate. She is looking for a Baptist Church not SDA or any other cult..

How thankful we can be that Walter Martin confirmed that the Seventh-day Adventist denomination is not a cult.

Now if I could just get DHK to read Walter Martin's book.



in Christ,

Bob

 

[Zenas]

Zenas, I don't think Bunny appreciates being referred to as a "bind hog." :BangHead:

DHK, please think when you read my posts. I'm not referring to Bunny. It's BobRyan who got that backhanded compliment. :BangHead: He has been insulted worse than that already on this thread.

 

[Mississippi John]

"I love and serve wherever I am. It is the Lord who has been leading me and I fully trust that He will continue to do so."

I love the old hymn 'Trust and Obey". With a heart for Jesus, and a desire to follow His leading, you will be a blessing to whatever church you finally choose.

Best answer ..so far.